Absorbent article having channels for receiving the edges of an undergarment

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing body fluids discharged from a human body. The absorbent article includes an absorbent having first and second longitudinally-extending sides, first and second distally spaced ends and a garment-facing surface. The absorbent article includes a structure which interacts with an adjacent undergarment for retaining the absorbent in the crotch region of a human body. The structure includes at least two grooves or channels formed in the garment-facing surface of the absorbent which are sized and configured to receive the side edges of an undergarment. When the undergarment is pulled up around the torso of the user, the side edges of the undergarment will nest in the grooves or channels and hold the absorbent article securely in place, thereby decreasing the likelihood of leakage.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/054,783 entitled AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING CHANNELS FOR RECEIVING THE EDGES OF AN UNDERGARMENT and filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Apr. 3, 1998 now abandoned. The entirety of application Ser. No. 09/054,783 is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, a pantyliner, an incontinent garment, etc. which has at least two grooves or channels formed therein which are sized and configured to receive the edges of an undergarment. More specifically, this invention relates to an absorbent article having first and second channels formed in a lower surface of the article which are designed to receive the edges of an undergarment and hold the absorbent article against the crotch region of a human body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, catamenial pads, feminine pads, pantyliners, incontinent garments and the like, are designed to be worn by humans to absorb discharged body fluid. Typical body fluids include urine, menstrual fluid, menses and perspiration. Such absorbent articles are classified as external devices which are generally held in position against the torso of a human body by a garment-attachment adhesive which is designed to be secured to the inner crotch portion of an undergarment. Other attachment methods include mechanical fasteners designed to secure the absorbent article to the undergarment or to another piece of clothing, such as a belt or girdle. Such products differ from tampons which are classified as internal devices and which are designed to be physically inserted into a female vagina. Functionally, sanitary napkins, catamenial pads and feminine pads are designed to absorb a greater quantity of body fluid and are made to be worn for longer periods of time than smaller external products such as pantyliners and panty shields.

In order to adequately perform their function, such absorbent articles should be positioned and retained close to the crotch region of the human body. The closer an absorbent article is held to or against the body, the better it is able to intercept discharged body fluid with less chance of leakage. It is therefore desirable to manufacture an absorbent article which contains a structure which will enable it to be securely held against the crotch region of the human body and to move with the body as the torso and thighs are manipulated and moved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, this invention relates to an absorbent article for absorbing body fluids discharged from a human body. The absorbent article includes an absorbent having first and second longitudinally-extending sides, first and second distally spaced ends and a garment-facing surface. The absorbent article includes a structure which interacts with an adjacent undergarment for retaining the absorbent in the crotch region of a human body. The structure includes at least two grooves or channels formed in the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article which are sized and configured to receive the side edges of an undergarment. When the undergarment is pulled up around the torso of the user, the side edges of the undergarment will nest in the grooves or channels and hold the absorbent article securely in place, thereby decreasing the likelihood of leakage.

The general object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, a pantyliner, an incontinent garment, etc. which has at least two grooves or channels formed therein which are sized and configured to receive the edges of an undergarment. A more specific object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article having first and second channels formed in a lower surface of the absorbent article which are designed to receive the edges of an undergarment and hold the absorbent article against the crotch region of a human body.

Another object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article which is easy to manufacture and is relatively low in cost.

A further object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article which functionally can minimize leakage of body fluids.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article which has multiple grooves or channels formed in a lower surface thereof which provide alternative ways of engaging with the side edges of an undergarment.

Still further, an object of this invention is to provide an absorbent article which contains a structure which enables it to cooperate with an adjacent undergarment so that it can be securely maintained against the crotch region of a human body.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a human torso sliced vertically in half and shows an absorbent article retained adjacent to the crotch region by an undergarment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sanitary napkin having first and second channels which are sized and configured to receive the side edges of an undergarment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary napkin shown in FIG. 2 taken along line 3—3 which clearly shows the inverted U-shaped configuration of the channels.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent layer having a pair of channels with each channel having a notched configuration including a tapered interior wall.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent layer having a pair of channels with each channel having a semi-circular configuration.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a thin absorbent layer having a pair of channels with each channel having a semi-circular configuration and each channel having a depth which extends further into the absorbent layer.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a thin absorbent layer having a pair of channels with each channel having an inverted V-shaped configuration and with each channel spaced a greater distance outward from the longitudinal centerline.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a contoured absorbent layer having a notched channel configuration with a tapered interior wall.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the crotch region of a human body with a sanitary napkin held against the pudendum by the side edges of an undergarment engaged in the channels formed in the sanitary napkin.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the crotch region of a human body with a wider sanitary napkin held against the pudendum by the side edges of an undergarment engaged in the channels formed in the sanitary napkin.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having at pair of longitudinally extending grooves or channels formed therein.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having tapered longitudinal sides and a pair of longitudinally extending grooves or channels formed therein formed parallel to the longitudinal sides.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having an hourglass configuration and a pair of arcuately extending grooves or channels formed therein.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having a pair of linear grooves or channels formed therein which extend the entire length of the absorbent article.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having tapered longitudinal sides and having a pair of linear grooves or channels formed therein which extend the entire length of the absorbent article.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having an hourglass configuration with a pair of grooves or channels formed therein which extend a substantial distance along the entire length of the absorbent article.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having a pair of non-linear grooves or channels formed therein which extend essentials the entire length of the absorbent article:

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having tapered longitudinal sides and having a pair of non-linear grooves or channels formed therein which extend essentials the entire length of the absorbent article.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having an hourglass configuration with a pair of linear grooves or channels formed therein which extend substantial the entire distance along the length of the absorbent article.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having a multiple number of non-linear grooves or channels formed therein.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having a multiple number of linear grooves or channels formed therein.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of an absorbent article having a multiple number of non-linear grooves or channels formed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, an absorbent article 10 is shown positioned adjacent to the crotch region of a human body 12. The absorbent article 10 can be a sanitary napkin, a catamenial pad, a feminine pad, a panty liner, a panty shield, an incontinent garment, or some other type of absorbent product. For purposes of discussion, the absorbent article 10 will be described as a sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin 10 is designed to be worn by women to absorb discharge body fluid, especially menstrual fluid and urine. In FIG. 1, a side view of a human body 12 is shown which includes a torso 14 having a waist 16 and a crotch region 18 located at a lower end of the torso. A pair of legs 20 depend downward from the crotch region 18, one of which is shown. The absorbent article 10 is retained in close proximity to the pudendum or vulva area of a woman by an undergarment 22. The undergarment 22 is a typical pair of underpants having a waist opening, two leg openings and a crotch portion located between the two leg openings. The crotch portion has edges or seams 24 which are located on opposite sides of the crotch portion. The edges or seams 24 extend around each of the leg openings. A portion of the edges or seams 24 normally contact the groin of the wearer when the undergarment 22 is pulled up around the torso 14 and adjusted about the waist 16. The forces acting on the edges or seams 24 of the undergarment 22 in the crotch region 18 causes an upward force which holds the edges or seam 24 in contact with the wearer's body.

Referring to FIG. 2, the sanitary napkin 10 includes a first groove or channel 26 and a second groove or channel 28, both of which are formed in a lower surface thereof. The two edges 24 of the leg openings of the undergarment are designed to enter and/or engage the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively. The sanitary napkin 10 also has a first end 30 located adjacent to a front section of the napkin 10 and an opposite or back end 32 located adjacent to a rear section of the napkin 10. The first and second ends, 30 and 32 respectively, are located an equal distance from a center point 34 of the sanitary napkin 10. The center point 34 is positioned at the intersection of a longitudinal central axis x—x and a vertical central axis z—z. The grooves or channels 26 and 28 can be offset relative to the center point if desired.

It should be noted that during use, the sanitary napkin 10 can be centered along the vertical central axis z₁—z₁, as is shown in FIG. 1, or it can be positioned forward or rearward of the vertical central axis z₁—z₁ depending upon the wearers particular preference. It should also be noted that although the sanitary napkin 10 is depicted as being symmetrical in shape with the first and second ends, 30 and 32 respectively, being equally spaced from the center point 34, it is possible to form a non-symmetrical sanitary napkin which varies in shape from one end to the other.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the sanitary napkin 10 is shown in more detail. The sanitary napkin 10 includes a liquid permeable cover 36 and a liquid-impermeable baffle 38 which cooperate to enclose an absorbent 40. The cover 36 can be constructed of a natural or synthetic material and should be easily penetrated by body fluids such as menstrual fluid, blood, urine, etc. Suitable materials for the cover 36 include those materials that have a soft hand, such as polyolefin spunbond, which is manufactured and sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The cover 36 could also be made out of a bonded carted web, a polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other similar type fibers. Other polyolefins, such as linear low density polypropylene, linear low density polyethylene, finely-perforated film webs and net materials can also be used. If a thermoplastic film is used, it will be necessary to aperture, perforate or slit it to make it liquid permeable.

The liquid-impermeable baffle 38 is design to prevent the passage of liquid out of the sanitary napkin 10. However, the baffle 38 can be constructed to allow or permit the passage of air and moisture vapor out of the sanitary napkin 10 while serving to block the passage of fluids or liquids therefrom. The baffle 38 could also be an air permeable micro-porous film which will prevent liquids from passing therethrough. The baffle 38 can be a foam, for example, a polyolefin foam or a polyurethane foam. A polyolefin foam can be made from polyethylene or polypropylene. The baffle 38 can also be constructed of a liquid-permeable foam that has been treated or coated to make it liquid-impermeable. Preferably, the baffle 38 is constructed of a very thin thermoplastic film having a thickness of less than about 2 millimeter (mm) and, preferably, less than about 1 mm. Two thermoplastic films which work well are polyethylene and polypropylene. The films can be tinted or made of a special color, such a rose or peach, to make the sanitary napkin 10 more attractive.

Still referring to FIG. 3, one will notice that the cover 36 and the baffle 38 are bonded or sealed together to form a peripheral seal 42. This peripheral seal 42 extends completely around the absorbent 40 and encloses the absorbent 40. If one desires, one can form what is known as a wrapped pad wherein the baffle 38 is positioned adjacent to a lower surface of the absorbent 40 and the cover 36 is completely wrapped about both the absorbent 40 and the baffle 38. The cover 36 will then be bonded or secured to itself along a lower surface of the sanitary napkin 10. Various other ways of assembling the cover, absorbent and baffle are known to those skilled in the art and various alternatives could be employed for this invention.

The absorbent 40 is positioned between the cover 36 and the baffle 38. The absorbent 40 has a first longitudinally-extending side 44 and a second longitudinally-extending side 46. The absorbent 40 also has a first end 48 and a second end 50 which are shown as a dotted lines in FIG. 2. The absorbent 40 also has a body facing surface 52 and a garment facing surface 54. The body facing surface 52 faces toward the body of the wearer of the sanitary napkin 10 but is not necessarily in contact with the body, although it may be. The body facing surface 52 of the absorbent 40 is normally covered by the cover 36. The garment facing surface 54 of the absorbent 40 faces the undergarment 22 but is not necessarily in contact with the undergarment 22. The garment facing surface 54 is normally covered by the baffle 36 although it does not have to be.

For purposes of discussion, the absorbent 40 will be described as a single absorbent layer. However, it should be noted that the absorbent 40 can be made up of one or more absorbent layers or be a combination of one or more layers interspersed with a superabsorbent material. The absorbent 40 can be made from natural or synthetic fibers or a blend thereof. Natural fibers include cellulose fibers such as wood pulp, cotton or regenerated cellulose. Synthetic fibers can include polyesters or polyolefins with polyethylene or polypropylene fibers being preferred. The absorbent 40 can also be constructed from coform, which is a blend of pulp and synthetic meltblown fibers. When synthetic fibers are used, the fibers can be treated with a surfactant so as to increase their wettability.

The absorbent 40 can also contain a hydrocolloidal material, commonly referred to as a superabsorbent. Superabsorbents are normally added to the absorbent to increase the amount of fluid which the absorbent can contain and also to increase fluid retention capabilities. The superabsorbent can be added as individual particles or it can be formed as a laminate structure having a superabsorbent material incorporated onto a carrier sheet.

Still referring to FIG. 3, one will notice that the first and second grooves or channels, 26 and 28 respectively, are formed in a lower surface of the absorbent 40 and the baffle 38 follows the contours of the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively. This arrangement permits the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, to be visible in the finished product. It is also possible to form the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, in the lower surface of the sanitary napkin 10 and then stretch or bridge the baffle 38 across the channels 26 and 28. When this is done, the baffle 38 will not follow the contour of the channels 26 and 28. The engagement of the edges or seams 24 of the undergarment 22 will cause the baffle 38 to stretch and be forced up into the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively. Preferably, the baffle 38 will be formed such that it enters the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, and the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, will be visible to the ultimate consumer when the sanitary napkin 10 is ready to by used. For sanitary napkins in particular, it is common to individually wrap each napkin in its own wrapper to keep it clean and sanitary. The wrapper can be made out of a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, several embodiments are shown depicting different arrangements, sizes and configurations for the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively. For simplicity reasons only, only the absorbent layer 40 is shown with the first and second grooves or channels, 26 and 28 respectively, formed in the garment facing surface 54. For purposes of discussion, like numerals will be used for the longitudinally-extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively, and the body facing and garment facing surfaces, 52 and 54 respectively, of the absorbent 40 throughout FIGS. 4-8. The only difference will be the numbers used to designate the channels.

In FIG. 4, the absorbent 40 contains a first groove or channel 26′ and a second groove or channel 28′. Each of the first and second channels, 26′ and 28′ respectively, contain a vertical side wall 56, a horizontal base 58 and a tapered side wall 60. Each of the taper side walls 60 extends from the horizontal base 58 up to the garment facing surface 54. The taper side walls 60 are aligned closest to the longitudinal central axis x—x while the vertical side walls 56 are located outward therefrom and adjacent to the respective first and second longitudinal sides, 44 and 46. The two channels 26′ and 28′ are spaced apart from one another and each is located on an opposite side of the longitudinal central axis x—x. The first and second channels, 26′ and 28′ respectively, can be linear or nonlinear. Preferably, the first and second channels, 26′ and 28′ respectively, are align parallel to one another or are a mirror image of one another if non-linear with respect to the longitudinal central axis x—x. The depth (d) of the first and second channels, 26′ and 28′ respectively, can vary but preferably is at least about 0.1 inches (about 2.5 mm), and most preferably, is from about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inches (about 2.5 mm to about 13 mm). Since the thickness (t) of the absorbent 40 can vary along the longitudinal central axis x—x, another way of stating the depth (d) of each of the first and second channels, 26′ and 28′ respectively, is that the depth (d) of the channel 26′ and 28′ can range from between about 10 percent to about 90 percent of the thickness (t) of the absorbent layer 40. Preferably, the depth (d) will range from between about 10 percent to about 75 percent of the thickness (t) of the absorbent 40. Most preferably, the depth (d) of the channels 26′ and 28′ will range from between about 20 percent to about 50 percent of the thickness (t) of the absorbent 40. More preferably, the depth (d) of the channels 26′ and 28′ will range from between about 25 percent to about 50 percent of the thickness (t) of the absorbent 40.

It should be noted that when the absorbent 40 is comprised of more than one layer, the depth (d) of the first and second channels, 26′ and 28′ respectively, will be a percentage of the thickness (t) of the absorbent 40 at a particular location. It should also be noted that when the absorbent 40 is formed with a hump along the longitudinal central axis x—x line or is contoured in some fashion, that the portion of the absorbent 40 having the first and second channels, 26′ and 28′ respectively, may be of a reduced thickness (t) than the maximum thickness of the absorbent 40.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative configuration of the first and second channels is shown. The absorbent layer 40 contains a first groove or channel 26″ and a second groove or channel 28″. The first and second channels, 26″ and 28″ respectively, are in the form of an inverted semicircle which has a radius “r” of at least about 0.01 inches (about 0.25 mm) and preferably, a radius “r” of from between about 0.01 inches to about 0.25 inches (about 0.25 mm to about 6.4 mm). The first and second channels, 26″ and 28″ respectively, can be linear or nonlinear. The first and second channels, 26″ and 28″ can extend along a portion of the length of the absorbent 40 or they can extend along the entire length of the absorbent 40.

Referring to FIG. 6, still another configuration of the first and second channels is depicted. The thin absorbent 40 has first and second grooves or channels, 26′″ and 28′″ respectively, formed therein. The first and second channels, 26′″ and 28′″ respectively, are in the form of an inverted U which extend into the absorbent 40 to a greater extent than that shown in FIG. 5. For example, the depth (d) of the first and second channels, 26′″ and 28′″ respectively, can be from between about 50 percent to about 95 percent of the thickness (t) of the absorbent 40. Preferably, the depth (d) of the first and second channels, 26′″ and 28′″ respectively, can be from between about 70 percent to about 95 percent of the thickness (t) of the absorbent 40, and most preferably, the depth (d) of the first and second channels, 26′″ and 28′″ respectively, can be from between about 75 percent to about 90 percent of the thickness (t) of the absorbent 40. The first and second channels, 26′″ and 28′″ respectively, can be linear or nonlinear. The first and second channels, 26′″ and 28′″ respectively, can extend along a portion of the length of the absorbent 40 or they can extend along the entire length of the absorbent 40. The length of the first and second channels, 26′″ and 28′″ respectively, can extend a distance of from between about 25 percent to 100 percent of the length of the absorbent 40. Preferably, the length of the first and second channels, 26′″ and 28′″ respectively, can extend a distance of from between about 25 percent to about 75 percent of the length of the absorbent 40, and most preferably, from about 30 percent to about 70 percent of the length of the absorbent 40. One should note that when a sanitary napkin 10 has a peripheral seal 42, the overall or total length of the sanitary napkin 10 will be larger than the overall length of the absorbent 40.

Referring to FIG. 7, a thin absorbent 40 is shown having a much greater overall width. Formed in the garment-facing surface 54 of the absorbent 40 are a first groove or channel 27 and a second groove or channel 29, both of which have an inverted V-shaped configuration. The depth of the V-shaped configuration can extend inward into the absorbent from between about 10 percent to about 90 percent of the total thickness (t) of the absorbent 40. Preferably, the V-shaped notch will extend inward into the absorbent 40 an amount of between about 20 percent to about 75 percent of the total thickness (t) of the absorbent 40, and most preferably, from between about 25 percent to about 50 percent of the thickness (t) of the absorbent 40. The first and second channels, 27 and 29 respectively, correspond to the channels 26 and 28, 26′ and 28′, and 26″ and 28″ in their function. When the first and second channels, 27 and 29 respectively, are linear, they can be spaced inward at least about 0.25 inches (about 6.4 mm) from the first and second longitudinally extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively. Preferably, the first and second channels, 27 and 29 respectively, are spaced inward at least about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) from the first and second longitudinally-extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively. When the channels 26 and 28 are nonlinear, the ends of each channel can extend to the first and second longitudinally-extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively.

One will notice when comparing FIGS. 6 and 7, that the channels 27 and 29 are located a greater distance away from the longitudinal central axis x—x in FIG. 7 than in FIG. 6. This size difference may be advantageous in accommodating different crotch regions of woman where the distance between the groin varies depending upon one's anatomy. It may also be advantageous for a consumer who wears a certain type of undergarment to wear an absorbent article such that the side edges 24 of the undergarment 22 will comfortably fit into the first and second channels, 27 and 29 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of an absorbent 40 is shown wherein the absorbent has a contoured surface which is thicker along the longitudinal central axis x—x and thinner adjacent to the first and second longitudinally-extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second channels, 27′ and 29′ respectively, have a similar configuration as the first and second channels, 26′ and 28′ respectively, shown in FIG. 4. However, the first and second channels, 27′ and 29′ respectively, are located in the thinner outer regions of the absorbent 40. Again one will notice that in FIG. 8, the first and second channels, 27′ and 29′ respectively, are located a greater distance from the longitudinal central axis x—x than are the first and second channels, 26′ and 28′ respectively, which are shown in FIG. 4. It is envisioned that the width of the sanitary napkin 10 and the location of the first and second channels, 27′ and 29′ respectively, will be sized such that the crotch region 18 of the undergarment 22 will not have to be substantially altered when the side edges 24 of the undergarment 22 contact the sanitary napkin 10. In addition, the first and second channels, 27′ and 29′ respectively, should be so located that they will force the absorbent 40 into contact with the groin of the user.

It should be also noted that the first and second channels 26 and 28, 26′ and 28′, 26″ and 28″, 26′″ and 28′″, 27 and 29 as well as 27′ and 29′ can be formed in the lower surface 54 of the absorbent 40 in a number of different ways. The channels can be cut into the absorbent using a knife or rotary cutter, or they can be embossed into the absorbent. The channels can also be made by forming two spaced apart, raised humps in a mold such that the channels will be present after the absorbent material fills the mold. The channels can also be formed by other means known to those skilled in the art. Forming the channels by embossing may be the easiest to implement. The molding process is advantageous in that both of the channels can be simultaneously formed.

Referring to FIG. 9, the sanitary napkin 10 is shown positioned adjacent to the crotch region 18 of the wearer. The sanitary napkin 10 is retained in position by the undergarment 22. The side edges 24 of the undergarment 22 contact and enter into the channels 26″ and 28″ so as to force the sanitary napkin 10 up against and secure to the body of the wearer. The sanitary napkin 10 will move upward until the first and second longitudinal sides, 44 and 46 respectively, contact the groin of the wearer. In FIG. 9, one will notice that the thighs of the legs 20 are depicted so as to show the normal position of the sanitary napkin 10 when placed adjacent to the body. During normal movement of the torso 14 and the legs 20, such as walking, standing, sitting, running, etc. the thighs may move closer together and the sanitary napkin 10 may be squeezed. However, the forces working on the leg openings of the undergarment 22 will cause the side edges 24 to keep the sanitary napkin 10 secure against the body.

Referring to FIG. 10, the sanitary napkin 10 is shown having an absorbent 40 with a greater width, as is depicted in FIG. 6. Since the absorbent 40 is wider than the absorbent depicted in FIG. 9, one will notice that the first and second longitudinal sides, 44 and 46 respectively, of the absorbent 40 will extend downward from the groin area and provide added protection against fluid leakage. The function of the undergarment 22 relative to the sanitary napkin 10 is the same as denoted above in relation to FIG. 9. It should be noted that in FIGS. 9 and 10, the cover 36 and the baffle 38 have been removed for simplicity purposes only. If the sanitary napkin 10 contains both a cover 36 and a baffle 38, both of them would be present in actual use.

Turning now to FIGS. 11-22, a number of alternative arrangement for the channels 26 and 28 are depicted. For purposes of understanding, all the articles will be referred to as sanitary napkins 10 having an absorbent 40 and having first and second grooves or channels, 26 and 28 respectively. When more than two channels are present, additional numbers will be given to the additional channels.

In FIG. 12, a bottom view of a sanitary napkin 10 is shown having a pair of longitudinally extending channels 26 and 28 which are arranged parallel to the first and second longitudinal sides, 44 and 46 respectively. The first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, are linear and do not extend the entire length of the absorbent 40. Instead, the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, extend a substantial length of from between about 50 percent to about 90 percent of the total length of the absorbent 40. Preferably, the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, extend from between about 60 percent to about 80 percent of the total length of the absorbent 40, and most preferably, from between about 70 percent to 75 percent of the total length of the absorbent 40. The reason that the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, do not have to extend the entire length of the absorbent 40 is that the bottom surface of the sanitary napkin 10 will be convex relative to the body, and therefore, the central portion of the sanitary napkin 10 is really the critical area in which the side edges 24 of the undergarment 22 must enter into the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively.

The sanitary napkin 10 is shown having a longitudinal central axis x—x and a transverse central axis y—y. The first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, can be formed into the lower surface 54 of the absorbent 40 such that they extend longitudinally outward an equal amount from the transverse central axis y—y. In addition, they can be equally spaced apart from the longitudinal central axis x—x. Furthermore, each of the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, are spaced inwards at least about 0.25 inches (about 6.4 mm), and preferably, at least about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) from the respective first and second longitudinally-extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively. The first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, can also be arranged parallel to one another. The first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, will have a width of between about 0.1 inches (about 2.5 mm) to about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm), a depth of between about 0.1 inches (about 2.5 mm) to about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm), and a length of at least about 3 inches (about 7.6 mm). Preferably, the length of the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, is from between about 3 inches (about 7.6 mm) to a distance equal to the length of the sanitary napkin 10. Most preferably, the length of the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, is from between about 3.5 inches (about 8.9 mm) to about 4.5 inches (about 11.4 mm).

Referring to FIG. 12, an embodiment is shown of a sanitary napkin 10 having tapered sides 44 and 46. The tapered sides 44 and 46 give the sanitary napkin 10 a non-symmetrical shape such that the front end 30 is wider than the opposite or back end 32. The first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, are formed in the lower surface 54 of the absorbent 40 and are arranged at an angle to one another so as to be parallel with the tapered sides, 44 and 46 respectively. As with FIG. 11, the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, do not extend the entire length of the absorbent 40 but only extend along a substantial portion thereof. By “substantial portion it is meant an amount greater than about 50 percent of the total length of the absorbent 40.

Referring to FIG. 13, a sanitary napkin 10 having an hourglass shape is shown. The sanitary napkin 10 has first and second grooves or channels, 26 and 28 respectively, which are non-linear, and preferably, arcuate in shape. The first and second longitudinally-extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively, are nonlinear and each of the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, are align parallel to one of these nonlinear sides, 44 and 46 respectively. The first and second channels 26 and 28 respectively, can also be arranged to so as to be a mirror image of one another with respect to the longitudinal central axis x—x. The hourglass shape sanitary napkin 10 is preferred for there is less absorbent material in the center of the crotch region along the transverse central axis y—y and this creates a more comfortable sanitary napkin when worn. The first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, do not extend the entire length of the absorbent article 10. As denoted above for FIGS. 11 and 12, the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, can extend along a substantial length of the sanitary napkin 10. By “substantial length” is meant an amount greater than about 50 percent of the length of the absorbent 40.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, one will notice that the sanitary napkins tend to coincide with those depicted in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 respectively. The only difference being that the first and second grooves or channels, 26 and 28 respectively, extend essentially the entire length of the absorbent 40. Depending upon the particular configuration of each of the sanitary napkins, by “essentially the entire distance” is meant a distance of between about 90 percent to 100 percent of the length of the absorbent 40. The reason why the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, may not extend the entire length of the absorbent article 10 is that the ends of the sanitary napkin 10 may be rounded and the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, may be arcuate in shape. Therefore, it would be difficult to form the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, such that they extend to the tip of the rounded portion of the absorbent 40.

In FIGS. 14 and 15, one will notice that the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, are linear and are arranged parallel to the longitudinally-extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively. While in FIG. 16, the first and second channels 26 and 28 respectively, are nonlinear and are aligned parallel to the nonlinear longitudinally extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively.

Turning now to FIGS. 17-19, one will notice that the sanitary napkins 10 are similar to those depicted in FIGS. 14-16 except that the first and second grooves or channels, 26 and 28 respectively, are different in configuration. In FIG. 17, the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, are nonlinear in configuration. Preferably, the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, have an arcuate profile and therefore cannot be aligned parallel with the longitudinally extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively. In FIG. 18, the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, are again arcuate in design and are not parallel to the tapered longitudinally extending sides, 44 and 46 respectively. In FIG. 19, the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, are linear and therefore cannot be parallel to the hourglass shaped sides, 44 and 46 respectively. One will notice that in FIGS. 17-19, the first and second channels, 26 and 28 respectively, extend essentially the entire length of the absorbent 40.

Referring to FIGS. 20-22, three embodiments are shown wherein each sanitary napkin 10 contains multiple channels formed in the garment facing surface 54 of the absorbent 40. In FIG. 20, two pairs of channels 62 and 64, and 66 and 68, are formed having an arcuate profile and are arranged such that the first and second channels 62 and 64 are much smaller and located farther away from the longitudinal central axis x—x than are the first and second channels, 66 and 68 respectively. The first and second channels, 66 and 68 respectively, have a longer overall length than the first and second channels, 62 and 64 respectively. The two pairs of channels 62 and 64, and 66 and 68, can be symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal central axis x—x and the transverse central axis y—y if one so desires.

Referring to FIG. 21, one will notice a sanitary napkin 10 with two pairs of first and second channels formed in the garment facing surface 54 of the absorbent 40. The first pair of channels 62 and 64 are linear in configuration and extend essentially the entire length of the absorbent 40. The first pair of channels 62 and 64 are located at a greater distance from the longitudinal central axis x—x than are the second pair of channels 66 and 68. The second pair of channels 66 and 68 are also linear and extend along the entire length of the absorbent 40. Because of the rounded ends of the sanitary napkin 10, the overall length of the second pair of channels 66 and 68 is slightly greater than the length of the first pair of channels 62 and 64. All of the channels can be arranged parallel to one another as well as parallel to the longitudinal sides, 44 and 46 respectively, if desired. The benefit of providing multiple channels in the lower surface 54 of the absorbent 40 is that the sanitary napkin 10 can be used with undergarments 22 having various width crotch regions 18. Some undergarments 22 have a narrower crotch region 18. By forming two or more pairs of channels in the absorbent 40, one can use the sanitary napkin 10 with a variety of undergarments 22 having crotch regions 18 of different widths. Likewise, some consumers may find it more advantageous to have the edges 24 of the undergarment 22 positioned in alignment with their groin while others may prefer the edges 24 of the undergarment 22 to be located closer to the longitudinal central axis center x—x of the sanitary napkin 10.

Lastly, referring to FIG. 22, a sanitary napkin 10 is shown having three pairs of channels 62 and 64, 66 and 68, and 70 and 72 which formed in the lower or garment facing surface 54 of the absorbent 40. The three pairs of channels are all arcuate in shape and vary in length relative to their position on the absorbent article 10. The first pair of arcuate shaped channels 62 and 64 have the shortest length and are located at the outer most edge of the sanitary napkin 10. The second pair of channels 66 and 68 are located inward of the first pair of channels 62 and 64 and have a slightly longer length. The third pair of channels 70 and 72 have the longest length and are located inboard of the first and second pairs of channels, 62 and 64, and 66 and 68 respectively. As stated earlier, the formation of multiple channels in the lower surface of the absorbent 40 provides versatility to the ultimate consumer. It also allows the ultimate consumer to use the sanitary napkin 10 with a variety of undergarments having a crotch region of different width.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the aforegoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. An absorbent article comprising: a) an absorbent having first and second longitudinally-extending sides and first and second distally spaced ends, said absorbent having a garment-facing surface; and b) means for retaining said absorbent in the crotch region of a human body, said means including first and second channels formed in said garment-facing surface of said absorbent which are sized and configured to receive edges of an undergarment, each of said first and second channels having a depth into a thickness of said absorbent.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first and second channels are linear.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first and second channels are non-linear.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first and second channels are aligned parallel to one another.
 5. An absorbent article comprising: a) a cover; b) an absorbent positioned below said cover having first and second longitudinally-extending sides and first and second distally spaced ends, said absorbent having a garment-facing surface; and c) means for retaining said cover against the crotch region of a human body, said means including first and second channels formed in said garment-facing surface of said absorbent which are sized and configured to receive edges of an undergarment, and each of said first and second channels having a depth into a thickness of said absorbent.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 5 wherein said first and second channels are arcuate in shape.
 7. The absorbent article of claim 5 wherein said longitudinally-extending sides of said absorbent are non-linear and said first and second channels are aligned parallel to said non-linear sides.
 8. The absorbent article of claim 5 wherein said first and second channels are aligned at an angle to one another.
 9. The absorbent article of claim 5 wherein said first and second channels extend between said first and second ends of said absorbent.
 10. The absorbent article of claim 5 wherein said absorbent has a length and each of said first and second channels extend a distance which is from between about 25 percent to 100 percent of said length.
 11. An absorbent article comprising: a) a cover; b) an absorbent positioned below said cover having a longitudinally extending central axis, first and second longitudinally-extending sides and first and second distally spaced ends, said absorbent having a garment-facing surface; and c) means for retaining said cover against the crotch region of a human body, said means including first and second channels formed in said garment-facing surface of said absorbent which are sized and configured to receive edges of an undergarment, each of said first and second channels being located on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis, and having a depth into a thickness of the absorbent.
 12. The absorbent article of claim 11 wherein each of said first and second channels has a length of at least 3 inches.
 13. The absorbent article of claim 11 wherein each of said first and second channels has a depth into the thickness of the absorbent of from between about 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches.
 14. The absorbent article of claim 11 wherein said absorbent has a plurality of channels formed therein.
 15. An absorbent article comprising: a cover; an absorbent positioned below said cover having first and second longitudinally-extending sides and first and second distally spaced ends, said absorbent having a garment-facing surface; and means for retaining said cover and absorbent against the crotch region of a human body, said means including first and second channels formed in said garment-facing surface of said absorbent which are sized and configured to receive edges of an undergarment, and each of said first and second channels spaced inward at least about 0.25 inches from said respective first and second longitudinally-extending sides.
 16. An absorbent article comprising: a cover; an absorbent positioned below said cover having first and second longitudinally-extending sides and first and second distally spaced ends, said absorbent having a garment-facing surface; and means for retaining said cover and absorbent against a crotch region of a human body, said means including first and second channels formed in said garment-facing surface of said absorbent which are sized and configured to receive edges of an undergarment, and each of said first and second channels spaced inward at least about 0.5 inches from said respective first and second longitudinally-extending sides.
 17. An absorbent article comprising: a cover; an absorbent positioned below said cover having a longitudinally extending central axis, first and second longitudinally-extending sides and first and second distally spaced ends, said absorbent having a garment-facing surface; and means for retaining said cover against the crotch region of a human body, said means including first and second channels formed in said garment-facing surface of said absorbent which are sized and configured to receive edges of an undergarment, each of said first and second channels being located on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis, and each of said first and second channels including an embossment formed into said absorbent. 